Bargainous Bulge Busting

Joined the gym yesterday. Yeah, yeah I know that's not very recessionista of me. But I think you'll be impressed...

By enrolling at my local council run leisure centre as a 'pay and play' member I get access to a fab range of cardio and weights machines and pay just...

• £10 for the initial induction
• £10 for a fabulous electronic key device which records my progress
• and, then, only £5 for every time I want to work out there.

Granted if I was a regular gym bunny that would work out pretty expensive, but as I'm looking to combine gym going with some Wii action and some running to keep the muffin top under control, £5 per session works out much cheaper than paying a monthly fee at a private gym and then only going occasionally.

I must admit I was sceptical that a council run gym could compete with a private club, but it's actually really impressive. There are loads of machines, it's clean and bright and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I used to be a member of one of the more prestigious clubs and actually think the council run facilities are better!

Combining fitness & financial savvy? Bonus!